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The 7 Best Terrain Parks in the U.S.

Originally posted on Powder | By Ian Greenwood | Last updated Feb 10, 2025 7:34 AM ET

Once considered a dark art, freestyle skiing has gone mainstream. The X Games makes a big media splash winter after winter in Aspen, and freeskiing success now hinges, in part, on an athlete’s ability to throw tricks. Aspiring skiers have embraced flipping and spinning, with local terrain parks across North America functioning as the breeding grounds for the next big professional name.

However, terrain parks are more than training facilities for World Cup competitors. Jumps, jibs, and rails that cater to a more casual crowd — we can’t all throw double corks — abound. Dipping your ski boots into the world of freestyle or honing higher-level tricks has never been this easy.

Wondering how to get in on the fun? These are seven of the best ski resort terrain parks across North America.

7. Trollhaugen, Wisconsin

We’ll always have a soft spot for the little guys. Trollhaugen, Wisconsin, doesn’t have the terrain available at big mountains out West, but that hasn’t stopped the small ski area from fostering a culture of skilled freeskiers and snowboarders. Trollhaugen’s parks featured prominently in a web series called Human Being, proving that with a can-do attitude — and a trusty rope tow — it’s possible to create freestyle magic just about anywhere.

6. Big Sky Resort, Montana

Big Sky Resort, Montana, draws visitors for its big mountain terrain. The Lone Peak Tram climbs to a height of 11,166 feet, accessing numerous exposed runs, like the famed Big Couloir. Despite its reputation as a freeride destination, though, the resort doesn’t skimp on the terrain park offerings.

The centrally located Swifty Park houses the biggest features, and after a social media campaign, recently became the home of a brand new rope tow. Oft asked for out West, rope tows have, in many cases, remained relegated to Midwest ski areas like Trollhaugen. But Big Sky, during the 2024-2025 ski season, went for it, helping local skiers cruise hot laps through the terrain park faster than ever.

5. Sugar Bowl Resort, California

In fall 2024, Sugar Bowl Resort, California — already known for its impressive freeride terrain — announced that it was doubling down on the creation of a revamped park program. Dubbed Sugar Bowl Parks | CA, the collection of parks includes three options: Peregrine Ridge, Golden Eagle, and The Condor.

The aim, Sugar Bowl says, was creating a facility that could nurture and generate elite-tier freeskiers. Each park functions as a stepping stone to the next level, culminating in The Condor, an imposing 70-foot jump. For would-be professionals, this is a boon, but avid amateur freestylers can get in on the action at Sugar Bowl, too, oscillating between Peregrine Ridge and Golden Eagle, skill level dependent.

4. Copper Mountain, Colorado

In Colorado, Copper Mountain stands out with a curated selection of terrain parks. The full commitment to freestyle covers numerous options, like the beginner-friendly Start Park and the Peace Park, which was created in partnership with U.S. Olympic Snowboarder Danny Davis. At Copper Mountain, you’ll find something that suits your jibbing needs.

Adding to Copper Mountain’s freestyle stature is its commitment to terrain parks through the warmer months. In the summers, the resort has hosted a hike-to terrain park, relying on snow gathered during the winter.

3. Park City Mountain, Utah

Park City Mountain, Utah, is known for groomed, cruising terrain. However, the resort, which plans to host several freeskiing events during the 2034 Utah Winter Olympics, also has six terrain parks (plus two halfpipes) and a thriving freestyle scene to match.

The 3 Kings chairlift, which accesses the 3 Kings and the Pick N’ Shovel terrain parks, is the primary focus of Park City Mountain’s freestyle activity. However, there are also a few smaller options peppered across the resort’s terrain footprint, like the Transitions park located on the Canyons side (Park City Mountain, like Whistler Blackcomb, is spread across two conjoined resort areas).

A quick look at Instagram will give you a hint as to where Park City Mountain stands amongst freeskiers. From Colby Stevenson to Tom Wallisch, the world’s best have been spotted lapping through the resort’s freestyle playground.

2. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, is a titan in the park skiing space. Across the resort’s two mountains — Whistler and Blackcomb — there are two terrain park zones. Whistler’s is home to beginner and intermediate-friendly park fare in the Bobcat and Chipmunk Park. Here, mellower jumps and rails provide a gentle introduction to freestyle.

For sterner features, skiers can hit Blackcomb’s Catskinner Express, which provides easy access to a trio of lines that cater to everyone from advanced park skiers to legitimate professionals. Blackcomb’s selection of extra-large jumps facilitates the highest level of park skiing, generating a local scene chock full of dedicated rippers. If you’ve ever wanted to see a double cork in person, Whistler Blackcomb is a good place to start your search.

1. Mammoth Mountain, California

With its Unbound Terrain Park program, Mammoth Mountain, California, aims for variety and quality. The mountain houses ten unique parks covering more than 100 acres of terrain, serving multiple types of skiers. The Wonderland, Disco, and Eagle Playgrounds are great for learning your first 180 or 360, while Mammoth Mountain’s Main Park boasts video part-worthy features that’ll satisfy expert riders.

The selection of terrain parks at Mammoth Mountain provides a smooth transition all the way from beginner to expert freestyler. While hitting your first rail or jump can be intimidating, it doesn’t need to be — starting small and working your way up helps.

Mammoth Mountain also features one of the most unique terrain park zones in North America — the Hemlocks. This area, which is typically in play after the resort receives a significant amount of fresh snow, blends big mountain and freestyle as Mammoth Mountain’s park crew peppers the natural landscape with booters.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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